Nottingham Forest delivered a truly touching moment during their Europa League quarter-final clash with Porto this evening.
When Morgan Gibbs-White found the net to give the hosts an early lead at the City Ground, the celebrations carried a deeper meaning.
The midfielder held up a shirt bearing Elliot Anderson's name and number 8, complete with a heartfelt message for their absent teammate.
Anderson was withdrawn from the matchday squad just before kick-off following devastating news – his mother Helen had passed away on Thursday.
Morgan Gibbs-White held aloft a shirt paying tribute to Elliot Anderson
|GETTY
It was a beautiful reminder that some things really do matter more than football, with Forest's players rallying around their grieving teammate in the most poignant way possible.
The message on the shirt read "Family first, we are all with you" – a simple but powerful show of solidarity from the squad.
Forest supporters also played their part in backing the 23-year-old midfielder, with chants of "Geordie Maradona" ringing around the City Ground in the opening minutes of the match.
It was a lovely nod to Anderson's Newcastle roots and his silky skills on the ball.
Gibbs-White's 12th-minute strike put Forest 2-1 ahead on aggregate, building on last week's 1-1 draw in Portugal.
Elliot Anderson was absent from Forest's line-up due to a family tragedy
|REUTERS
Head coach Vitor Pereira had been uncertain whether Anderson would be available after the midfielder missed training on Wednesday.
The support for Anderson extended well beyond the City Ground this evening.
Newcastle United, where Anderson came through the academy before joining Forest nearly two years ago, posted a touching response on social media.
"We're so sorry to hear this incredibly sad news. Sending all of our love and support to Elliot and his family at such a difficult time," the Magpies wrote.
The England national team also reached out, saying: "Sending love and support to Elliot and his family during this incredibly difficult time."
Morgan Gibbs-White fires his 12th goal of the season to give Nottingham Forest the lead ⚽️
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Porto offered their own condolences, with the Portuguese club stating their thoughts were with Anderson and his family.
Forest's official statement confirmed Anderson was unavailable "following the passing of his beloved mother, Helen," extending their deepest sympathies to the family.